Just a week ago, our four children and some of their spouses/significant others gathered at our home in central Pennsylvania.  It has been quite some time since we were able to logistically pull this off, so it was a big deal.

Becki and Joe came in from the Baltimore, Maryland area, Sarah from Pittsburgh, Rachel and Brandon arrived from Fort Worth, and Jason and Sarah drove from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Despite a delayed flight, necessitating an unexpected hotel stay, our Texans arrived first.  They tried out our newest local eatery, a genuine barbeque called Sammy's Smokehouse, which passed their bbq requirements. 

The next day brought everyone else, arriving through the early evening.  Most of our time was spent catching up around the firepit.  On Saturday our ranks thinned, and the hangers-on took in the local Japanese steakhouse; dinner and a show as the chef prepared our meal on the hibachi table.

I've discovered that I look forward to being with our kiddies simply because they are some of my best friends.  There was no "duty" to this visit, and the parents took no occasion to instruct the younger generation on how they should be living their lives.  We just all enjoy being together.  And this I consider my finest accomplishment.